What's up with 'Eyyy ka muna eyyy'?: The origin and meaning behind the catchphrase
Feeling happy, sad, or frustrated? Eyyy ka muna, eyyy!
Filipinos are very witty when it comes to creating new trends, and BINI's Sheena Catacutan is the latest proof. Her catchy phrase, "Eyyy ka muna, eyyy," with a matching hand gesture has taken the internet by storm.
From celebrating your small wins to “laughing through the pain” moments, the phrase has been present in everyday conversation, even as a casual greeting. If you're wondering where this catchy phrase came from, continue reading.
How did it start?
It all began during one of BINI's meet and greets. During the event, a fan (@softlysheena) shared her interaction with Sheena on X, sharing that she told the artist she would be graduating soon.
“Ga-graduate na ako ng college...naiiyak ako,” a fan said, chuckling, to which Sheena replied, “Naiiyak ka? Eyyy ka muna, eyyy!”
i was already in tears when i told her na ggraduate na ako ng college tapos sabi ba naman "o naiiyak ka mag eyy ka muna" EYYY HAHAHAHA LARO KA TALAGA SHEENA HA
— b (@SOFTLYSHEENA) June 29, 2024
BINIVERSE CONCERT DAY 2#BINIVerse_TheFirstSoloConcert#BINI @BINI_ph pic.twitter.com/Bj4X28R0v2
What does it mean?
The phrase may mean several things and can be used in different contexts. In her interview with ABS-CBN News’ Anjo Bagaoisan, Sheena shared that she did it to cheer up the emotional fan.
“Mayroong ‘Bloom’ na nagsabing ga-graduate siya. Ta’s naiiyak siya—e alam niyo naman ayoko na umiiyak ‘yong mga tao, so sabi ko, ‘Eyyy ka muna, eyyy.’ So at least, nakapag-“Eyyy” muna siya bago siya humagulgol,” the P-pop star said.
One TikTok user, meanwhile, suggested that the phrase and the hand gesture mean kindness and respect.
But given the phrase's recent popularity, some people are bound to dislike it. Sheena playfully addressed those who might be tired of the trend, saying, “If ayaw mong mag-eyyy, just close your ears and don’t listen.”
“Everyone, if you’re happy, say Eyyy,” she ended.
"Eyyy" was also used in the lyric's of BINI's hit song, Salamin Salamin, in the part, “Ayokong maniwala (ayoko maniwala, eyyyy!).”
The phrase is accompanied by a "Y" hand sign, or the shaka, a Hawaiian gesture symbolizing "aloha". It's a versatile sign conveying greetings, thanks, or a relaxed attitude like "hang loose," according to the Associated Press.